Compare Best of Iceland by G Adventures vs Volcanoes and Glaciers in Iceland by Nordika Travel
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Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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Duration | 7 days | 6 days |
Price From | $ 2,324 | $ 1,340 |
Price Per Day | $ 332 | $ 223 |
Highlights |
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Trip Style | Small group tour | Group tour |
Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
Physical Level |
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Travel Themes |
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Countries Visited | ||
Cities and Attractions |
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Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
Activities |
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Meals Included | 6 breakfasts | N/A |
Description |
If you're looking for a fast but full visit around Iceland, this seven-day trip fits the bill perfectly. It has tons of hidden gems that you won’t find anywhere else in the world, combined with free time to experience plenty of the highlights, like erupting geysers, visiting glacier lagoons, and exploring breathtaking waterfalls and black-sand beaches. Be sure to pack your sense of adventure and get ready to feel Iceland under your feet. |
Discover the forces of nature at work in Iceland with this guided group tour that focuses on glaciers, hot springs and volcanoes in South Iceland. Iceland is one of the most geologically young and volcanic active areas in the world. Our popular Volcanoes and Glaciers tour gives you the perfect opportunity to discover the magic of these wonders, and the magnificent natural landscape that surrounds them. The tour covers the major attractions of the south including the infamous Eyjafjallajökull volcano, glaciers, geysers and waterfalls as well as the beautiful Westman Islands. Witness and discover the marvels of mother nature in its purest form! |
Day 1 Reykjavik
Arrive at any time.
There are no activities planned until an evening welcome meeting.
There are pre-bookable activities available for this tour. Check out the "Available Extras" section of the Overview page for more information on these activities, and cost-saving bundles.
Day 2 Reykjavik/Akureyri
Set off from Reykjavik after breakfast and enjoy the scenic journey to the Capital of the North, Akureyri. Explore Akureyri's old town. Enjoy optional lunch in one of the eateries in Akureyri and opt to go on a whale-watching tour.
Eyjafjörður is a scenic spot to enjoy the local wildlife and small villages in the area. Opt to go on a whale-watching excursion.
If you have pre-booked whale watching, you will be going on the excursion this evening.
Day 3 Akureyri to Bakagerdi (Borgarfjörður)
Stop at Goðafoss waterfall en route to Mývatn lake. Explore lava formations of Dimmuborgir and the geothermal area of Námaskarð. Visit Dettifoss waterfall before arriving in Bakagerdi (Borgarfjörður) for a night in a local guesthouse.
Head to Mývatn lake, stopping en route at Goðafoss waterfall. In Mývatn, explore lava formations of Dimmuborgir and the geothermal area of Námaskarð. Visit Dettifoss waterfall, one of the most powerful waterfalls in Europe. Reach Bakagerdi (Borgarfjörður) in the East Fjords region for a night in a local guesthouse.
Day 4 Bakkagerdi/Hofn
Leave beautiful Bakkagerði behind and travel down the coast driving through the beautiful and majestic eastern fjords. En route to Hofn, catch a glimpse of Vatnajokull glacier, the largest ice cap in Europe.
Day 5 Hofn/Vik
Visit the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and nearby Diamond Beach, with a chance to see seals sunbathing on the bright blue ice. Opt to check out the lagoon by boat. Continue on to Skaftafell National Park with time to explore the hiking trails or choose an optional glacier hike with glacier equipment before continuing on in the evening to the small town of Vík.
Marvel at the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, with a chance to see seals sunbathing on the bright blue ice. The massive icebergs floating towards shore tower over visitors. Opt to check out the lagoon by boat. Stop by Diamond Beach, which gets its name from chunks of the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier that float to shore. As these blocks of glacier ice melt, they develop a crystal clear sheen, set against the black sand of the beach. Continue on to Skaftafell National Park with time to explore before continuing on in the evening to the small town of Vík.
Opt to pre-book the Skaftafell National Park Glacier Hike activity on the checkout page. If you have pre-booked glacier hiking on Skaftafell, this activity will take place today.
Day 6 Vik/Reykjavik
Visit Reynisfjara beach. Continue along the Golden Circle to Drumbo. Stop at the waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Gullfoss. Explore the Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir Hot Springs and Þingvellir National Park. Arrive to Reykjavík in the early evening.
Day 7 Reykjavik
Depart at any time.
Please note if you opt to book the Silfra Fissure Snorkelling in Thingvellir National Park, you will be gone for a half-day. We advise booking a Post-Night, as your return time could vary depending on the time slot available for the snorkelling activity. The arrival back to the hotel in Reykjavík ranges from 2 pm to as late as 5 pm.
Day 1: Arrival in Iceland.
If your flight lands early in the day we recommend taking the time to explore Reykjavík, the largest municipality in Iceland.
Ingolfur Arnarson, the first settler of Iceland built his farm on the peninsula where Reykjavík stands today. The town got its name “Smoky Bay” after the columns of steam that rose from the hot springs in the area and made such a deep impression on the first settlers.
In the evening you can choose from multitude of restaurants and/or coffee-houses to get better acquainted with Iceland's capital.
Overnight stay in Reykjavík (airport transfer not included).
Day 2: Westman Islands
Lava Fields – Puffin Island – Magnificent lava fields
We travel along the south coast to Landeyjahöfn harbor. After arriving at the pier at Bakkafjara we take a 30 minute ferry ride to the Westman Islands. Once there, we will explore Heimaey, the largest island in the Westman Islands archipelago. Other adventures of the day include: a visit to the puffins in Stórhöfði, a walk up to the crater of a volcano that erupted only three decades ago, visiting Eldheimar Museum and exploring flora of the new lava field. Afternoon at leisure to explore the island on your own.
Overnight in the Westman Islands
Day 3: South Shore - Skógar – Vík
Restless Volcanoes – Folk Museum
We take the ferry back from the Westman Islands and travel further on along the south shore noting the numerous glacial rivers on route to Skógar and Skógafoss waterfall. We visit with the farmers of Þorvaldseyri Farm located at the foot of the world famous Eyjafjallajökull volcano that last erupted in the spring of 2010. A visitor's center/family run exhibit was opened in spring 2011 where guests can view a 20 minute film about the spectacular natural event. Our next stop will be at the Skógar Folk Museum before continuing on, passing Sólheimajökull Glacier to the black Reynisfjara beach.
Dinner and overnight stay in Vik/Kirkjubæjarklaustur area for the next 2 nights.
Day 4: Kirkjubæjarklaustur – Skaftafell – Jökulsárlón
Europe's Largest National Park and Glacier – Glacial Lagoon with Icebergs
We cross Eldhraun, the largest mass of lava ever to flow on the face of the Earth before reaching the small town Kirkjubæjarklaustur, a former site of a 12th-century Catholic convent. Onward to Skaftafell National Park, one of Iceland's most outstanding areas of natural beauty. We continue to the stunning Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon to see floating icebergs and possibly curious seals. Throughout the day we are afforded magnificent views of the mighty Vatnajökull Glacier. Back to Vík.
Dinner and overnight in Vik/Kirkjubæjarklaustur area.
Day 5: Gullfoss – Geysir – Þingvellir – Reykjavik
Exploding Geysers – The beautiful Golden Falls – National Park with Geological Wonders (UNESCO)
We head for the Geysir hot spring area to see the famous great Geysir as well as Strokkur, a hot spring that spouts every few minutes. Onward we travel to Gullfoss one of Iceland’s most impressive waterfalls. Our next stop is Þingvellir National Park, where the ancient parliament met for centuries on the shores of Iceland’s largest lake, before heading back to Reykjavik.
Overnight stay in Reykjavík.
Day 6: Departure
Transfer to the airport not included.
If you did not visit the Blue Lagoon (Reservation required) on your arrival day, you might use the opportunity to stop there now on your way to the airport.